Antianginal Drugs Flashcards
What drug categories are considered antianginals?
Nitrates
Beta-blockers
Calcium Channel Blockers
What are the 3 types of angina? Describe each
Stable; usually caused with coronary artery disease, occurs with predictable stress and exertion
Unstable; medical emergency, frequent and unpredictable
Variant; caused by coronary artery spasm and occurs during rest
Should nitroglycerin be used in pregnant or nursing patients?
Probably not since we don’t know if it crosses the placenta
What are contraindications with nitroglycerin?
- Right Ventricular MI
- Shock
- Cardiac Tamponade
- Severe anemia
- cardiomyopathy
- Increased intracranial pressure
-PDE5 inhibitors for erectile dysfunction
How should nitroglycerin be stored?
- Glass containers; drug will migrate into plastic
- Dark and cool; they decompose otherwise
What are the most common side effects of nitroglycerin?
- Headache
- Hypotension
- GI upset
- Dizziness
- Syncope
-Pallor
What are the most common adverse effects of nitroglycerin?
- Blurred vision
- Paradoxical bradycardia
- Paresthesia
- Peripheral edema
- Circulatory collapse
How many SL nitroglycerin tablets can a patient take for angina and how far apart?
1 tablet every 5 minutes for a maximum of 3 tablets. If it still does not work, call 911
